Abstract | PURPOSE: METHODS: The present study included 88 alcohol-dependent patients of whom 18 patients had a first-onset withdrawal seizure. All patients were active drinkers and had an established diagnosis of alcohol dependence, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using every homocysteine plasma level found in the study population as cut-off value. A Bayes theorem was used to calculate positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for all cutoff values used. RESULTS: The highest combined sensitivity and specificity was reached at a homocysteine plasma cutoff value of 23.9 microM. Positive predictive values ranged from 0.23 to 0.745; the maximum was reached at a homocysteine plasma level of 41.7 microM. Negative predictive values ranged from 0.50 to 0.935, with a maximum at a homocysteine plasma level of 15.8 microM. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Stefan Bleich, Kristina Bayerlein, Thomas Hillemacher, Detlef Degner, Johannes Kornhuber, Helge Frieling |
Journal | Epilepsia
(Epilepsia)
Vol. 47
Issue 5
Pg. 934-8
(May 2006)
ISSN: 0013-9580 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16686660
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
(blood, diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Alcoholism
(blood, epidemiology)
- Female
- Homocysteine
(blood)
- Humans
- Hyperhomocysteinemia
(blood, diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pilot Projects
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- ROC Curve
- Risk Assessment
(methods)
- Risk Factors
- Sensitivity and Specificity
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